Construction of closed vehicle bodies



April 1, 1930. T. P. LOHRMAN CONSTRUC'I'ION OF CLOSED VEHICLE BODIES Filed Dec. 15, 1926 Fig.4

Patented Apr. 1, 1930 THOMAS PAUL IJQHPe-MAN,'OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION OF CLOSED VEHICLE BODIES Application filed December 15, less. SerialNo. 155,000.

This invention relates to improvements in closed vehicle bodies and particularly in the roof construction thereof.

Nith closed vehicle bodies as now constructed the roof frame consists of wooden frame-forming rails for tacking. of the deck covering thereto. One of the objections to the present type of construction is due to the tacking of the deck covering to the roof frame, as

-- the shrinkage of the deck covering causes the outer edge to pull away from the tacks, thereby causing parts of the interior of the body to become exposed to the weather, and unnecessary damages resulting thereby.

WVith the present invention, means are provided for securing the deck covering to the roof frame, consisting of a channel bearing roof frame, a flexible retainer secured to the outer edge of said deck covering and adapted for attaching within said channel. This form of roof structure eliminates the necessity of tacking of said deck covering to the roof frame.

Vfith the present type of construction, suitable mouldings or bindings must be placed around the edges of the deck covering as a means for covering the tacks and objectionable appearance of the uneven edges of said deck covering.

The present invention provides a structure whereby all such mouldings or bindings are unnecessary for providing a finished appearance. 1

Due to the shrinkage and distortion of the wooden members used in the present type of construction, various ailments such as squeaks, rattles, and breakage at the joints, result therefrom.

The present invention provides means whereby an all metal structure can be obtained,.thus eliminating the various objections mentioned.

The objects contained in thisinvention have been set forth in a previous application filed Feb. 1, 1926, Serial Number 85,186 by the applicant of this invention. The applicant feels that the objects of the present invention are effectively provided by the employment of the construction described in the former application, but due to the limited nature of the claims of said former application, the applicant deems it advisable to add the present ap plication in order to broaden the scope of the inventien from a structural standpoint. The present invention'however provides features which are not set forth in the previous application.

The invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed. r

The invention will be best'understood from a reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and in which, a

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of the roof frame with the deckcovering attached thereto.

Fig. 2 shows a variation in the structure-as set forth in Fig. 1. a

Fig. 3 is a sectionalview showing the retainer attached to the deck covering, and partially attached within the channel. a

Fig; 4: shows the same view'as Fig. 3, but showing the retainer completely attached within said channel. 7

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of deck covering when attached to the retainer as shown in'Fig. 4. j v Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of channel set forth in Fig. 41, but showing a variation in the method of attaching the deck covering to the retainer.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the deck covering when attached to the retainer as shownin Fig. 6. Y a

As shown in the drawings the deck cover- ,ing is represented throughout by the letter A, the retainer by the letter B, the channel by the letter C, andthe 'roofjframe by the letter D. I

It will be noted that the roof frame D, as 9 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, can be varied in structure without changing the nature .of the objects of the invention as set forth herein. The letter G, shows a drip moulding which might be a continuation of the frame D, said drip moulding being usually employed along the sides of the roof frame for conveying the water away from the sides of the body.

The retainer B is constructed of rubber or flexible material, and contains a wire or suitable metal core represented by the letter F. The deck covering A may be readily secured to the retainer B by sewing thereto at H, as shown in Figs. 1 to 5, or at I, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the edge of the deck covering is concealed behind the outer edge of the channel G. This provides a plain appearance of the deck covering as shown in Fig. 5. The method of securing the deck covering A to the retainer B as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, leaves the retainer B exposed to view, and adds a moulding effeet, as shown in Fig. 7.

By referring to Fig. 3, it will be, noted that the retainer B before attached within channel C, is slightly curved, so that the lower edge of said retainer can be easily attached within channel C. By employing a roller J, such as shown in Fig. 3, the retainer can be readily flattened out, which then assumes the position shown in Fig. 4.

Due to the nature of the structure of the retainer B, the metal core F locks the retainer firmly within channel O, and prevents its v withdrawal therefrom, thus eliminating the necessity of any added fastening means.

By referring to Figs. 5 or 7 it will be noted that a neat structure is obtained, while at the same time a durable structure is provided.

I have illustrated and described the preferred form of structure, and due to the former application mentioned, the present invention carries certain limitations, but I desire to avail myself of such variations and modfications, as come within the scope of the appended claim 7 Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new anddesire to secure by Le ters Patent is:

In combination with a roof frame and a deck covering therefor: a channel bearing member mounted on said roof frame; a flexible retaining member secured to the edge of Said deck cover and engageable in said channel and removable from said channel only upon deformation from its normal shape; and a metallic reinforcing member embedded in said retaining member and normally resisting deformation of said retaining member from its normal shape and locking said retaining member against removal from said channel. 7

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

THOMAS PAUL LOHRMAN. 

